Mines to explode in Goa as PAC indicts CM; estimates loss

Panaji, Oct 5: The Public Accounts committee (PAC) of Goa has indicted Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who has been handling state's mining department for the last 12 years, and the Goa forest and police department for illegal mining. Report on mining scam has put the CM under pressure to quit.

The PAC report panel headed by opposition, BJP leader Manohar Parrikar is expected to submit the final report on Goa illegal mining to the Speaker on Wednesday, Oct 5. Though, the Congress members in PAC committee are opposing to sign the report demanding more time to study it and claim that it cannot be tabled till approved by all members.

Parrikar's report has accused Digambar of being a 'silent spectator' to illegal mining in the state. Commenting on Congress MLAs attitude towards report against Goa CM, he termed it as 'a mere delay tactics'.

According to the PAC report, the illegal mining scam is estimated to have created a loss of 400 crore to the exchequer. Along with CM Kamat, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao, state Home Minister Ravi Naik's son and Goa Congress president Subhash Shirodhkar have been indicted in mining scam.

It reminds of Karnataka former BJP CM BS Yeddyurappa's episode, who was indicted in Bellary illegal scam and later resigned his post facing charges. Now it's Congress CM in the mining row. However, the dissent Congress legislators, who refused to sign in final draft on Goa illegal mining, has submitted the PAC version to the party President Sonia Gandhi.

Now, the opposition BJP has ample opportunity to take political advantage and demand a Congress candidate's ouster over the scam, which may further thrash the political reputation of the already corruption-hit government.